Managing Stress the Healthy Way

By the time you read this post, I will have made it to Thursday. VERY excited about this because it means the weekend is upon us… and also because that means that I’ve made it through a week that’s been pretty tough.

I won’t bore you with the details, or whine about it… but it’s been STRESSFUL.

You’ve experienced weeks like this… we all have. The ones where you want to cry and sometimes you do. And, you just want to crawl into bed and never get out. STRESS!

Since I’ve changed my way of life two and a half years ago, I’ve noticed that I’ve had to find new ways to deal with stress. In the past, stress management meant blowing off steam with friends at a local Mexican restaurant while devouring a basket of chips and salsa… or maybe driving thru at Wendy’s for a combo. It also meant smoking (10 years ago now!) and drinking away my sorrows as well.

Mostly though, I would just eat. And, it would sort of make me numb to the experience.

Now, being numb doesn’t sounds that great… but when you’re in pain, sad, devastated… numbness can be comforting, while at the same time completely unhealthy and unproductive. This is something I picked up when I was a kid… it’s strange to think that a kid would figure out how to self-soothe with food, but I did. Maybe it’s that whole “Oh, you’re crying? Here’s a cookie” thing, but I don’t really remember much of that as a kid…

Until recently, I never realized how bad my eating habits had become in relation to stress eating or emotional eating… because the eating was so incredibly mindless. And interestingly, when the stress sets in even today, the first thing I crave is something ridiculously unhealthy, sometimes something sweet, and often times something that I would drench in ketchup.

So, how am I coping with stress now that I’m not turning to food?

First, I’m not turning to indulgent foods. That’s a big win in itself. Even though I think about stopping for a burger or Chick-fila or some other ridiculous “snack”, I skip it. I don’t let it happen because the way I feel afterward is just miserable… and numb.

I keep a pretty basic menu. This week is the perfect example. I’m pretty sure I keep my local Subway in business, but I’ve eaten Subway every night this week. Veggie Delite and those Baked Ruffles… that’s it. Now, it sounds strange to manage stress this way… but it’s filling, it’s within my calorie target, and when it’s gone, dinner is over.

When I’m stressed and I cook, I’m more likely to go for that second helping or to snack along the way. This way, it’s portion-controlled and something satisfying – – Thank goodness for Subway!

I go to the gym. While I’m not an incredibly religious person, I often find the gym to be an amazingly spiritual place for me… and I know it’s because my mind STOPS. It stops over-analyzing, rehashing, and trying to solve whatever is going on… and I just focus on trying to run for those 3 minutes or to follow the instructor in class. I find movies on the TV to watch and escape what’s going on. I can watch my Fitbit until it hits the 10,000 steps mark… and even if that’s the only thing good that happens all day, it’s something I achieved!

Whenever possible, I get on the mat. Yoga is one of those activities where you have to focus on your breath and focus on your poses… or you fall over. Another great way to get out of my head for an hour… and clear my thoughts. And, one of the most beautiful ways I can think of to do it.

Also, I sing. Yep, two days in a row… I’m telling you I like to sing and loudly. Note: I didn’t say I’m a talented singer, but I’ll belt it out in my car like I’m amazing… I usually pick powerful female artists like Kelly Clarkson (of course!), Miranda Lambert, Adele, or even some old Dixie Chicks… regardless, it’s songs I know by heart, and when I’m in the car… I swear I sound just like them.

Lastly, I watch my caffeine to make sure that I don’t effect my sleep. And, I find it helps me stay a tiny bit more calm.

These are just a few of the ways that I try to curb my stress when it pops up, but I’d love to hear how you healthily manage yours. I have to say, I’m still a work in progress.

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Comments

I have a really hard time dealing with stress, but sometimes if I can just distract myself for a bit, it works, and the urge passes. Finding other ways besides food to manage my stress has always been a challenge for me – for years. Sometimes you just have to sit with it, and recognize it. That alone can be challenging.

great list! I too find that music (and singing along, usually picking out the harmony) is a great way to bring myself cheer, which in turn, reduces the stress :). Doing something creative is also a huge help to me – I’m a knitter, and the zen act of one stitch after another gives my brain something to focus on, and diffuses the stress somewhat.

I’m just now starting to pay attention to what I eat and WHY I’m eating. Granted this an on going battle and I’m all to familiar with the battle you’re going through. The weird thing is I don’t see my life all that stressful. Either I’m oblivious and just used to it and it’s been going on so long or, well, I don’t know really. My job isn’t stressful and the main reason I eat poorly there is from sitting on my butt at a desk working on a computer, it’s a trigger I’ve come to find out! I know though I’m not stress free so I need to get down to it and pull away the eating and vegging out and see what’s up.

I’m actually at a Dr’s office waiting for him to come in and we’ll discuss my weight, health and blood work. Reading your post was helpful to calm me down and remember I’m taking steps to get going in the right direction. 🙂

I’m having such a stressful week! I needed to read this. I’ve discovered that what they say about exercise easing stress is true! I never believed it, but I don’t think I’d have survived this week if it weren’t for my workouts at the end of the day. Can’t wait to get away from the desk and get on the treadmill after work. Who would’ve thunk it?!

Trackbacks

[…] You’re going to want to run at times on the treadmill (YES, I said RUN!), and you’re going to find yourself in yoga. You’re not always going to be the bendiest girl in the class, but you’re going to love it and your studio will become your spiritual temple. […]

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I am not a licensed dietitian, nor medical doctor, nor a fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with weight loss, fitness, and life in general and to offer a little entertainment along the way. If you are seeking a professional opinion on how you should proceed to achieve your personal goals, please consult a professional.